Savory BLT Chicken Salad
A quick and satisfying chicken salad with crispy turkey bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy romaine, perfect for lunch or dinner.
I make this Savory BLT Chicken Salad when I need something fast, satisfying, and a little bit fancy without the fuss. It takes leftovers or a rotisserie bird and turns them into lunch bowls, sandwiches, or a picnic-ready salad in minutes. If you like bright, crunchy chicken salads with turkey bacon and a little tang, this one becomes a go-to in my kitchen — and it’s easy to scale for meal prep or a crowd. For another spin on chicken salads with bold mix-ins, I also like keeping a jarred version of an Asian chicken cranberry salad recipe in my rotation to switch up the flavors.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe hits a lot of home-run reasons to cook it: it’s fast, uses mostly pantry staples, and balances creamy mayo with smoky turkey bacon and fresh tomatoes. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, quick office lunches, potluck contributions, or a low-effort brunch. The romaine adds crunch so the salad doesn’t feel mushy like some mayo-based mixes can, and you can tweak it to be lower-cal or dairy-free easily.
How this recipe comes together
You’ll start by combining cooked shredded chicken with crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine. A simple dressing of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard gets whisked and folded in to coat everything. The process is mostly assembly: no cooking beyond preparing the turkey bacon and chicken ahead of time. That makes it excellent for using leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie bird.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached chicken work well)
- 4 strips turkey bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: avocado slices or hard-boiled eggs for garnish
Notes and substitutions:
- Use turkey bacon or tempeh turkey bacon for a lighter or vegetarian swap.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- For a lower-fat option, replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
I also keep a hearty carnivore chicken salad recipe bookmarked for days I want only meat-forward options, but this BLT salad adds freshness and veggies.
Directions to follow
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. Toss gently so the ingredients mix evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss everything until the chicken and vegetables are lightly and evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest lettuce and turkey bacon. For meal prep, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days (see storage notes).
- If using, garnish just before serving with avocado slices or halved hard-boiled eggs.
Keep the avocado separate until serving to avoid browning, and if you plan to make this far ahead, toss the dressing in at the last minute.
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Dressing
Optional Garnish
02Method
- Preparation
- Serving
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0 OF 5 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01For a tangier dressing, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar. To lower fat, replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days, best within 24 hours if avocado is included.
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Best ways to enjoy it
- Spoon into toasted sourdough or a crusty roll for a hearty sandwich.
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a lighter plate.
- Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or low-carb bowls with extra sliced cucumber and radish.
- Pack into mason jars for portable lunches — keep dressing at the bottom or in a separate container to preserve crunch.
- Pair with a crisp sparkling lemonade or an iced tea for casual meals.
How to store & freeze
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. If avocado is included, expect the salad to be best within 24 hours.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the fully dressed salad — mayonnaise can separate and lettuce becomes soggy. Instead, freeze shredded chicken separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and toss with fresh dressing and lettuce when ready.
Reheating: If you want warm chicken salad, reheat only the shredded chicken (microwave or low oven) and then mix with fresh vegetables and dressing. Never refreeze previously thawed chicken that has been left at room temperature.
Food safety: Keep the salad chilled at or below 40°F (4°C). Discard any mayo-based salad left out longer than two hours (one hour if above 90°F/32°C).
Creative twists
- Southwest: Add corn, black beans, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Swap smoked paprika into the dressing.
- Mediterranean: Replace mayo with yogurt, fold in chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Avocado-lime: Mash half an avocado into the dressing with lime juice instead of mayo for a creamier, fresher profile.
- Keto: Serve in a halved avocado or over extra romaine; use full-fat mayo.
- Spicy: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or a dash of cayenne to the dressing.
Your questions answered
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is ideal — it’s flavorful and saves time. Just shred and use.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. If you add avocado, consume within 24 hours for best texture and color.
Can I make this mayo-free?
A: Yes. Substitute equal parts plain Greek yogurt or use mashed avocado mixed with a little olive oil and lemon for creaminess.
Is it safe to meal-prep with the dressing already mixed in?
A: You can, but keeping the dressing separate preserves crunch. If you’ll eat it within a day, mixing ahead is fine.
Any suggestions for making it lower sodium?
A: Use low-sodium turkey bacon or rinse some of the surface salt from cooked turkey bacon with a quick blot, and skip added salt until the end after you taste the dressed salad.
Conclusion
If you want another well-tested BLT-style chicken salad with healthy swaps and serving ideas, see this take on a Healthy BLT Chicken Salad – Sweet Savory and Steph for inspiration. If you want something similar, my Savory BLT Chicken Salad is worth a try.
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
